Setup for a Breast Biopsy (Eastwick College, Ramsey, NJ)

In order to protect patients and facilitate a smooth surgical procedure, it is important to have all surgical instruments and supplies available and well organized. The goal of this educational video is to provide a step-by-step demonstration of how to prepare a sterile back table, Mayo stand, and ring stand for a breast biopsy, including tips on how to arrange items for maximum efficiency and how to prepare and perform the initial surgical count with a circulator.

Breast biopsy procedures represent one of the most commonly performed diagnostic surgical interventions in modern healthcare.^1,2 The proper preparation of the surgical sterile field is critical to ensuring patient safety and facilitating efficient procedural workflow. Educational videos demonstrating standardized surgical setup procedures  provide students with realistic examples of clinical practice.

The surgical setup in this video begins with the preparation of three work surfaces: the back table, Mayo stand, and ring stand. The back table was prepared using a double-drape technique with the establishment of a neutral zone, a designated area for the safe transfer of sharp instruments that reduces the risk of percutaneous injury. The Mayo stand was similarly double-draped and arranged with instruments and sponges that will be needed during the surgery; drapes and other items are stored in the ring stand.

Essential supplies (sponges, sharps, and wound dressings) were carefully organized on the back table. Before any medication or solution was accepted onto the sterile field, the name, strength, and expiration date of each was verified with a circulator, and a label was applied to each medicine cup, fluid container, bulb, and/or syringe on the field.

The sterile instrument tray was received through a collaborative verification process with the circulator. External packaging was inspected for contamination, moisture, or strike-through; chemical indicators were assessed to verify they had gone through the sterilization process and the count sheet was transferred to the circulator. Once these verification steps were completed, the tray was placed on the sterile back table. Instruments were organized according to functional categories. Forceps were grouped by type (traumatic and atraumatic).

The initial count was performed with the circulator to establish a baseline number for each countable item. The instruments and sponges needed to begin the surgery were transferred to the Mayo stand.

Educational videos such as this one are meant to help students bridge the gap between classroom education and clinical experience. The use of standardized teaching materials by preceptors and clinical instructors leads to consistent teaching methods throughout different clinical locations. Use of a protocol for surgical setups can help healthcare facilities decrease the risk of errors and enhance operational speed.

Nothing to disclose.